50" Plasma TV

Top Recommended 50 Inch Plasma TVs for 2010

(chosen by editors Robert Wiley, Jack Burden and Phil Conner)

Below are our recommended plasma models in the 50" size for 2010. These recommendations are based upon price, value, quality and feature set considerations and the accompanying editors choice designations may be assigned based on one or more of these aspects.

Panasonic TC-P50S2      Editor's Choice: Quality
50" Plasma TV

See Review The Viera S2 series from Panasonic appears to share in the affordable 1080p plasma category with the U2 series. Available in larger sizes than the U2 series these plasmas feature a 1080p panel with Panasonic's 600Hz Sub-Field Drive and an anti reflective filter for using the TV in bright rooms. Viera Link allows a single remote to use with any connected Viera Link products.

We've noticed Panasonic plasma TVs improving the brightness of its TVs over the past couple of years. Apparently, 2010 will continue this trend as Panasonic is still gaining on LCD technology in the brightness area. Panasonic representatives explained that 2010 model will be still brighter than 2009 models with the new NEO PDP while still going for a deeper black dimension.

Samsung PN50C6500     
50" Plasma TV

The C6500 line of 2010 Samsung plasmas will provide many of the features of the higher lines at a more affordable price point. While not 3D capable the C6500 series does feature Samsung's 1080p Clear Image Panel in a Black Touch of Color bezel. The slim depth gives the C6500 plasmas a stylish look whether it's on the square swivel stand or mounted on the wall. The previous year's Samsung plasmas have generated good reviews as can be seen in our review of the 2009 PN50B550 and we are looking forward to reviewing the 2010 line of plasmas from Samsung.

The C6500 series comes with 4 HDMI inputs, 2 USB ports and a built in ethernet port for access to Samsung's Internet@TV service. Wireless DLNA capability rounds out the connectivity features of this plasma tv.

LG 50PK550      Editor's Choice: Value
50" Plasma TV 1080p

The PK550 series plasmas from LG feature a 1080p panel in a slim, 2" deep case with a bezel under 1" in size. The Intelligent Sensor feature will automatically adjust the brightness to match the brightness and color temperature of the room lighting.

The PK550 series plasmas use LG's "Skin Glass" system to both protect the panel and reduce internal reflections by reducing the distance from the outer glass to the filter by 70%.

Samsung PN50B550 Editor's Choice: Value
50" Plasma TV

See Review Plasma is known for it's outstanding picture quality, unfortunately it is also known for it's high power usage. Samsung is claiming the new PN50B550 will use 50% less power than previous models while retaining the picture quality that plasma is known for. The B550 series plasmas are slim at only about an inch thick and boast Energy Star 3.0 compliance.

For movie night the B550 will display your films at a natural 24p and 600Hz processing should mean smooth motion all the time. We are looking forward to reviewing the PN50B550.

Panasonic TC-P50U2     
50" Plasma TV

The Viera U2 series from Panasonic appears to share in the affordable 1080p plasma category with the S2 series. These plasmas feature a 1080p panel with Panasonic's 600Hz Sub-Field Drive and an anti reflective filter for using the TV in bright rooms. Viera Link allows a single remote to use with any connected Viera Link products.

3 HDMI Inputs, 2 USB Ports, PC Input and Viera Image Viewer round out the feature set of the TC-P50U2.

LG 50PJ350 Editor's Choice: Price
50" Plasma TV

LG isn't abandoning the 720p HD specification for 2010. The PJ350 offers many of LG's core features in a slim, 2" case with a sub 1" bezel for a modern looking, feature packed TV at what should be an affordable price.

There is also SimpLink connectivity to compatible digital cameras and camcorders. The plasma has 3 HDMI inputs and contains LG's Deep color V.1.3 technology which can add depth and dimension to movies. Lastly, the resolution of 720p (1366 X 768) may seem like yesterdays HD resolution, but since you will be viewing 95% or more of your HD content in either 1080i or 720p these 720p plasmas are the best bang for the buck as the price is always considerably less

Samsung PN50C7000
50" Plasma TV

Samsung's C7000 line up of plasmas for 2010 feature 1080p Clear Image Panels in a Brushed Black Touch of Color bezel. These televisions are 3D ready like many of the TVs at CES this year. Though we are still on the "wait and see" bandwagon when it comes to 3D TV, it's readily apparent that the manufacturers are fully on board with 3D this year. That said we've been very impressed with the picture performance of recent Samsung plasma TVs, see our review of the 5 series plasmas here.

Samsung's proprietary 3D enabled system allows compatibility with multiple 3D formats to provide access to 3D content from many sources. As we note often, the TV will obviously perform regular two dimensional duties, but is enabled for 3D should you introduce some 3D content.

The C7000 series comes with 4 HDMI inputs, 2 USB ports and a built in ethernet port for access to Samsung's Internet@TV service. Wireless DLNA capability rounds out the connectivity features of this plasma tv.